Volume 33 Issue 12 December 2013 www.cosmoindustries.com

Staff Awards

20 Years Tracey Pederson

Paul Cory

15 Years Todd Baduik

10 Years

Pamela Sedelnick

5 Years Merly Beninsig Peter Bueckert

Estelita De Castro Tiara Deck

Novelita Gomas Danielle Grasby Donna Hassall Blake Mooney

Ashley Morrison Nan Sun

Allan Walliser Nelson Westwood

Wendel Wilkie

Cosmo is very fortunate to have a wonderful, caring, and supportive staff. Cosmo has also been blessed to have a Board comprised of a number of very gen-erous volunteer members who bring experience, and expertise from many walks of life. Working together, along with families, caregivers, and volunteers, Cosmo is a powerhouse of creativity, innovation, and opportunity dedicated to the sup-port of our participants. I am personally grateful for the encouragement provided by our participants. They are the heart of Cosmo, they have so much enthusiasm, so much cheer, that it is difficult to have a ‘bad’ day here. We all celebrated Christmas dinner on December 6; the walls rocked with good vibrations and then there was the grand opening of the new Community En-riched Supports area. We are blessed! Warmest wishes to all of you for a wonderful holiday season and a happy New Year. Peter Gerrard Executive Director

SEASON’S GREETING FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Calendar of Events

Dec. 24th—closed early Dec. 25th—closed Dec. 26th—closed Dec. 27th– closed

Dec. 31st closed early Jan. 1st—closed

As I look back over the past year, I can honestly say that I am glad to be in my second year as President of the Cosmo Board. It is going very well, and I continue to stand amazed as I experience first hand the very es-sence of Cosmo; What it is, what it means to so many people, and why. We must never take for granted the enormity of services, and products produced by Cosmopolitan Industries, and the pride our Program Par-ticipants so rightfully take in their huge contributions to our community. We must always be grateful to have such a wonderful, caring, and sup-portive staff whose guidance, and support of our Participants is at the very foundation of Cosmo.

We must also be thankful of all the many very generous volunteers who serve Cosmo in many diverse, and distinctive ways, ranging from sitting on the Cosmo board to being involved in all the various activities offered for the Participants. With all of us working together, along with families, caregivers, and community partners, Cosmo is a powerhouse of creativity, innovation and opportunity dedi-cated to the support of our Participants. The holiday season makes us reflect on the importance of people in our lives. I believe Cosmo is successful because of the support we give one another. Whether at work or at leisure, participant to participant, or staff to participant, there is a contagious atmosphere of consideration and kindness. Christmas is a time of thanksgiving, joy, and anticipation as we look forward to the many seasonal activities that bring such enjoyment to all. On behalf of all the Directors of this Board, warmest wishes to all of you for good health, a wonderful holiday season and a happy New Year. Heney Klypak President of the Board

CHRISTMAS GREETINGS FROM THE PRESIDENT

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This time of year brings so much enthusiasm and excitement to all of us as we prepare for the festivities of the season. As another year comes to an end we reflect on what great opportunities the staff have been able to assist the program partici-pants to be involved in and look forward to new and exciting opportunities for 2014! Recreation (Staff: Tiara Deck, Dave Parkalub & Wes Holder) Our Rec team has had an eventful and busy year. During the summer months we were busy at the lake, barbequing, hiking, driving and fishing. It was great to spend so much time outside. Now during the winter months we are planning many tours, lunches, indoor sports activities, and in house activities. The Rec team has been working hard to offer new choices and op-portunities for the participants. We are looking forward to an exciting upcoming year. Therapies (Staff: Jenna Johnson) The fitness room has been very busy over the year. With the wide variety of exercise machines participants from all areas are able to enjoy the fitness room. Along with the fitness room, Therapies offers many different groups to help participants improve and maintain their abilities such as balance, upper body strength, assisted walking, wax and swimming groups. Therapies is looking forward to another busy year in 2014! Avocational (Staff: Maegen Urdal) This year marked a busy, and exciting year in the avocational program. We had many new opportunities for fitness and lei-sure this year introducing Pole Walking, Boxing, and Karate to our program. This year we also purchased our Rocks and Rings curling equipment which has become a very big hit with our participants learning new skills, and even how to score! As well we have made our annual trip to Mother Earth green house, which was another beautiful, and exciting day, to visit with our volunteer Linda who still comes once a month, and teaches us about horticulture. We are always looking for new oppor-tunities for our program and look forward to another eventful year in 2014! Seniors (Staff: Lynn Dawson, Karis Brandes, Oxana Sawchuk, & Marla Klaassen) It has been an eventful year in Seniors. Our activities have been enhanced by the volunteers that contribute to our program, including pet therapy, literature, a school partnership, and music. Highlights of the year have been Buckaroo’s performances, recycling cards, and a picnic at the Forestry Farm. We are looking forward to what 2014 will bring! Cosmo at Elmwood Day Program (Staff: Renee Kiniski, Ryan Davidson & Shaina Manning) The day program has had a busy year! We have been busy with outings around the community such as volunteering at the S.P.C.A, going to the Berry Barn in the summer, attending events like the Exhibition, as well as the Festival of Trees. The year 2013 has kept us busy with activities such as themed parties, table bowling, monthly themed crafts, and baking days. The day program cannot wait to see what the year 2014 will bring to the group. Cosmo at Sherbrooke Program (Staff: Janice George) Cosmo at Sherbrooke has been working hard sorting and prepping paper products to be recycled for the past seven years. At this time we have nine Cosmo participants, three cat supervisors who live at Sherbrooke and have varied work schedules either exclusively at Sherbrooke or in combination with Cosmo. Working in conjunction with Sherbrooke we are part of a major recycling initiative and we have seen paper volumes more than triple in the past years. We are not all work though and being at Sherbrooke are able to take part in many of the global events and benefit from the relaxed environment of working from home. From all of us we would like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas, happy & healthy New Year!

EXCITING YEAR FOR THE LIFE ENRICHMENT DIVISION

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The joyous season of Christmas is upon us...it’s a time to spend amongst family and friends, reflect on the year, decorate for the season, and recognize the special gifts given, and received over the year. The season is very similar to the entire year in the Contracts Division. On a daily basis, we are all able to spend quality time amongst our extended family within Cosmo. We review our accomplishments made in the year along with establish-ing new goals to reach for in the upcoming year. We exchange gifts of praise for the contribution everyone makes no matter how big or small. The participants often light up the division with the smiles and excitement they bring to work with them each and every day. Christmas is a very busy time of year for many, as it has been for the entire year in the Division. The continued partnership with many community businesses allowed for numerous jobs to be completed within the division. So far this year over 770, 000 pieces of work have been completed and will continue to grow. These partnerships amongst businesses also extend to the Community Work Groups program who continue to have a full schedule of opportunities out in the community. We embrace these types of opportunities, as it creates inclusion for the participants and helps them to achieve their maximum potential. Our dedi-cated staff have played an active role in assisting the participants with their suc-cess and growth throughout the year. A huge congratulation goes to all the par-ticipants who have shined in their abilities!!! Contracts and Community Work Groups is wishing everyone a wonderful Christmas Season and may 2014 bring everyone many blessings, prosperity and happiness!

CONTRACTS & COMMUNITY BASED WORK GROUPS

YEAR IN REVIEW

Once again, it is hard to believe that yet another year has gone by. One of our goals for 2013 was to focus on finding creative ways to involve every-

one in productive ac-tivities, especially when traditional jobs are not available to us. Some examples of this include filling hand sanitizer bottles and completing attendance

among many others. Of course, we still keep busy by ripping thousands of books, cleaning plant pots, bamboo sticks, and other jobs. When we’re not working, Pathways is the area to have some fun! We started off the year by putting on a repeat performance of “A Bieber Christmas”, production that was followed by rave reviews. We had a great summer, filled with special events and good times. One of the highlights was our outing to Pike Lake. This was complete with BBQ hotdogs and games for everyone. Now we are looking forward to the holiday season with all of the fun and activity that goes along with it! Maybe we’ll take some time to rest next year!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM THE PATHWAYS TO

OPPORTUNITY DIVISION

With 2013 quickly leaving us, participants and staff in the Waste Reduction Di-vision are excited for 2014 and all the great possibilities that will come along with it. We have been very busy in our shredding department this past year where we have collected and processed over a million pounds of confidential material for individuals and businesses in and around Saskatoon. In the city pro-gram, our volumes are down but not as significantly as what was anticipated since the start up of the City Wide Residential Curbside program through Loraas. We must once again thank the citizens of Saskatoon for their continued support through this change to the city’s recycling program. It is through the efforts of those citizens and their devotion to Cosmo Industries and our program partici-pants, that enable us to continue providing our participants with meaningful work. Staff and participants at Cosmo Industries are anxiously awaiting the new Multi Unit Recycling Program to be implemented by the City of Saskatoon. This program will help to ensure the future avocational and vocational programming offered through Cosmopolitan Industries continues at the same high standard we have become accustomed to. From all of us in the Waste Reduction Division, Thank You.

THANK YOU FOR ANOTHER SUCCESFUL YEAR

Last month, we presented Sharla Humble (left) and Esther Rees (right) a bouquet of flowers each in recognition of their hard work on their recent art work in the Avoca-tional Room.

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In total, our program had over 3,600 volunteers hours dedicated to enriching the lives of our participants through the help of volunteerism. Our program has sustained several strong volunteer partnerships in 2013 that we will continue to cherish and to recognize in the New Year. Some of these partnerships include: the Cosmo Kiwanis Rhythm Band, Galon Insurance, Saskatchewan Collaborative Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Canada World Youth, St Michael School, Language Instruction to Newcomers to Canada, Ethos Salon and Spa, Saskatoon Public Li-brary, Partners in Employment, and the Way to Work program at SIAST. Another special thank you to the school groups, businesses and organizations that have expressed interest and have either toured or volunteered with us in the past year. In addition to these partnerships, we’ve had 105 volunteers contribute their time assisting groups, recreational outings, special events, and spending time with many of our participants in activities they love. Volunteers help in a large spectrum of activities that involve: fitness activities, academic tutoring, afternoon teas, peer interaction, horticulture, music, crafts, playing games, and pet therapy. Earlier in 2013, our program experienced a very exciting moment when our nomination for the annual SARC Awards for the Volunteer of Distinction Award was chosen. The award was presented to our group of outstanding volunteers, Russ Regier, Shirley MacLennan and the Kiwanis Club of Saskatoon (Rick Stal-wick representing) for their vision and efforts in organizing our instrumental group, Rhythm Band. I cannot express how proud we are to have such amazing individuals who come every week to celebrate music with our participants. Thank you to all of the volunteers who have taken the time this year to volun-teer with us. We truly value your company and hope to start the new year with welcoming you all again. Happy holidays and all of the best in the New Year! Chantal Gosselin Coordinator of Volunteer Services

THANK YOU TO COSMO’S VOLUNTEERS

On November 29th, 2013 Cosmo Industries said goodbye to one of our friends Darrell Thompson. He will be living in Calgary with family where he will start a new chapter in his life. Darrell started at Cosmo-politan Industries in 1991, where he spent the next 21 years working in the Waste Reduction Division where he worked on various types of jobs. Throughout the years, Dar-

rell has met new staff and most of all, many new friends that will last a lifetime. Darrell will be remembered for his sense of humor as he loved joking around

with staff and his fellow participants. Darrell also had a great work ethic whether

he was working on the sort line or helping out on the trucks. He always put forth

his best effort. We wish Darrell all the best in Calgary. He will be missed by his

friends and staff at Cosmo.

NEW STAFF

Amandeep Sandhu– Casual Sheriff Jubril– Term Community

Enriched Support- Program Division

Andrew Lui– Part time Community Enriched Support - Program

Division Rosanna Archer-Fulltime Seniors

Program- Life Enrichment Division

STAFF CHANGES

Jeannette Mendez– Fulltime Life Skills Training Division

GOODBYE– PARTICIPANTS

Darrell Thompson Mary Lessmeister

Don Neufeld (left) and Dale Miller (right) working as a team during our RBC Sports Day on November 29th. We would like to extend a big thank you to the sponsors and to the Recreation team for their ef-forts in organizing this fun day!

FAREWELL TO

DARRELL

THOMPSON

Darrell was presented with an award recognizing the number of years of service with us at Cosmo.

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This year has been another exciting year with many changes. In the spring we added two new rooms to our area to house two new groups to our mix. More recently we added another group to our division which now gives us 3 sensory based groups and 8 quality of life groups. With those additions we have also added more staff to accommodate our changes. We continue to change and grow which keeps things fresh and new. Throughout the year we have had the opportunity to experience many area fun days such as carnival day. While we did have the opportunity to take some of our participants to the Exhibition, we thought we would try to bring the experience to the rest of the group at Cosmo. We had a clown, carnival music, games, cotton candy and popcorn and prizes. The day was a big hit for the participants in the area. This was our third year that we have put this on and it keeps getting bigger and better every year. As well we hosted a couple of area BBQ’s, McDonald’s lunch brought in for everyone, St. Patrick’s and Halloween parties, dances, music and other entertainment, a perogie and cabbage roll lunch, pumpkin pie for Thanksgiving and many more exciting events. We are always planning new and exciting events. We would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a Merry Christ-mas and all the best in the New Year. We look forward to 2014 and all

that it will bring!

GREETINGS FROM THE LIFE SKILLS TRAINING DIVISION

Personal Supports has had another busy but great year. Our numbers have continued to grow in all aspects of our area and we take pride in the care we provide. Happenings during the past year include:

We were able to add another full time position Lyn Morales had a baby girl Maricris Pagulayan left to go to another job Lourdes Carino and Rhenelyn Dela Cruz joined our team Riza Parcasio is working Lyn’s maternity leave Novel Gomas has just gotten her license to open a group home and already has one of our participants living with her and her family Ashley Black and Rhenelyn Dela Cruz both got married Estelita DeCastro, Novel Gomas, Ashley Morrison and Merly Beninsig are all celebrating their five year anniversaries at Cosmo

From all of us to all of you have a safe and Happy Holiday Season. Joanne, Ashley, Novel, Lita, Merly, Vicky, Verjet, Lourdes, Rhenelyn, Riza, Lyn, Faye, Troy, Ruth and Ashley

On November 12, Josh, Evengy, Brian, Stuart, Shauna and Trisha headed out on a four day excursion to beautiful Vancouver, British Columbia. Our days were filled exploring the city. Our first trip was to the Aquarium, where we enjoyed watching many different fish and sea animals. We even took in the beluga whale show. We enjoyed a sup-per at the revolving restaurant and enjoyed all the lights and sites Vancou-ver had to offer from over 430 ft in the air. The next day we all faced our fears as we crossed the Capilano Suspension Bridge. We walked through the park enjoying all the beautiful sites; trees, animals and numerous little waterfalls. We even took in an experience called Fly Over Canada. This was an interac-tive IMAX video which took us soaring over our beautiful Canadian country. Who would have thought that Mr. Hockey, Gordie Howe, was also at the Rogers Arena the same night we were to watch the Vancouver Canucks vs. the San Jose Sharks. What a great first NHL experience to have. We would like to thank the Top of the Rock Foun-dation which gave us the opportunity for a life time experience filled with many wonderful memories to cherish. Trisha Lazaro—Pathways Division Shauna Carey- Grosse– Programs Division

PERSONAL SUPPORTS CELEBRATE S A GREAT YEAR!

VANCOUVER VACATION

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As the year draws to a close, it is time to reflect on all that we are thankful for in 2013. The Program Division is comprised of Transportation Services, Volunteer Services, Participant Services and our Com-munity and Enriched Support Program. Helen, our Transportation Coordinator, keeps busy ensuring all 400 of our participants arrive to and from work on time. She does this through close communication with First Bus, who provide most of our transportation services. In total, First Bus operates 16 bus runs. In addition, Cosmo owns and operates three wheelchair vans with Fregon, Garry and Nan driving six runs daily. Let’s not forget, we have sev-eral individuals who use Saskatoon Transit, taxi, private transportation, Access Transit, etc. We are so grateful for this outstanding driving team, who pull together to ensure everyone gets to work safely. It’s always amazing how very quickly this team can address and adjust to accommodate traffic delays and break downs. Our Participant Services Team keep busy with coordinating Person Centered Plans and designing spe-cialized supports to meet the individual needs of many. This year we welcomed 23 new participants to Cosmo. Through our Participant Services Team we also worked closely with the school system provid-ing work experience and transition placements for students who may be interested in Cosmo once they complete school. This year we had 24 different students transition with us from 8 various high schools. Lindsay, Shilo (past coordinator), and Christina were kept very busy this past year. With those new to Cosmo, these three ladies provided that initial support, helping each person connect with new Cosmo friends and their new support staff. Their kind, supportive and helpful approach have helped many feel independent and comfortable. The Community and Enriched Support Program continues to expand, with this year seeing an incredi-ble growth. This is a program that started seven years ago with one and then two staff providing addi-tional support for a couple of individuals. Today, we have expanded to the point of requiring our own space which will offer smaller rooms for a quieter environment. This new area also has a kitchen for life skills coaching as well as a space for future development into a sensory room. It was designed by Heney Klypak Architect Firm and has a real modern look to it. It is Phase One of the Cosmo Renewal Project. On December 6th we had our grand opening and by the New Year we hope to be all settled in. 2014 will be yet another exciting year as we further develop the Community and Enriched Support Program. The success of this program can be attributed to Shauna, Blake, Cal, TeeJay, Adrienne, Dana, Ashley, Nicole, Dale, Meghan, Blaine and Teesha who, day to day, work hard at building rapport and respecting each in-dividuals support needs. In addition, we welcome Sheriff, Andrew and Brenda who have just recently joined in with this amazing team. Our Volunteer Program continues to grow and expand and this is all credited to Chantal who works hard at recruiting and ensuring that each of our volunteers gain experience and/or contribute in ways that enhance their own personal skills. All the above supports take a lot of coordination and team work. Thanks to Charlotte who as the Assis-

tant Manager pulls much of the scheduling and liaison work together. As you can see, we do have a lot

to be thankful for in 2013. It truly was an amazing year. So, from our team to your home, we wish you a

Merry Christmas and a Joyous New Year.

APPRECIATIONS FROM THE PROGRAMS DIVISION

6

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What our Participants have to say about 2013...

Craig Peters from Community

Work Groups

highlights:

He enjoyed going to Camp Easter

Seal this past summer and having

the opportunity to see Paul

McCartney perform in Regina!

Susan Nickel from

Contracts said:

“Some of my favourite moments

were spent shopping with my

mom, putting up the Christmas

tree and working in the new pa-

per sort area in Contracts.”

How is your Newsletter Made?

The Communicator Process

1st week of the month– The Editorial Committee meets and sets out as-

signments according to events that have happened at Cosmo. The Com-

mittee members must write or assign articles to their co-workers or par-

ticipants ensuring they meet the submission deadline.

2nd last week of the month– All articles must be handed in to the editor

to type and prepare the newsletter.

Last week of the month– The Editor lays out the newsletter and sends it

out to staff around the building to edit for mistakes. After corrections

are made, a final copy is printed and photocopied over 630 times. The

copies are given to the Pathways area to fold and prepare for pay (this

may include stapling extra information to the Communicator as well).

All participants take home a newsletter with their pay. Pathways also

labels over 220 copies for mail out to family and friends. A digital copy

of the Communicator is made and emailed to Cosmo staff, family and

friends, board members and volunteers.

Thank you to Top of the Rock for allowing staff members Jenna Johnson (far left) and Maegen Ur-dal (far right) as well as participants Larita LaP-lante, Janet Umperville, Lisa Rolfe and Joan Pe-ters to attend a holiday play at the Barn Play-house.

A big thank

you to the

Christmas

Party

committee for

organizing a

great day for

our

participants

on Dec. 6th!

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Cosmopolitan Industries Ltd. Board COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS 2013 – 2014

T he following appointments

have been made to Board

Committees for 2013-2014.

Heney Klypak is the Board Presi-

dent and Ex Officio. The first per-

son listed is the Chair of that com-

mittee.

Executive Vice Chair

Treasurer

Secretary

Chair

Admission &

Discharge Vice Chair

Chair

Appointed

Appointed

Appointed

Kirk Anderson

Roger Birtles

James Gillis

Greg Kuse

Ken Homenick

Alan Hunter

Heney Klypak

Jamie Lackie

Craig Newby

Gary Nickel

Brent Rempel

Dwayne Schmautz

Michael Stensrud

Building &

Equipment

Vice Chair

Chair

Vipond

Chair

Community

Relations

Chair

Vice Chair

Contracts Vice Chair

Chair

Board/Staff

Relations

Vice Chair

Chair

Linton Auchstaetter

Ken Homenick

Gary Nickel

Michael Stensrud

Kirk Anderson

Alan Hunter

Michael Stenstrud

James Yachyshen

Sandra Downes

Betty Anne Fisher

Jim Gillis

Al Hunter

Jamie Lackie

Craig Newby

Brent Rempel

Linton Auchstaetter

Merv Nighttraveller

Brent Rempel

Dwayne Schmautz

Butch Williams

Roger Birtles

Ken Homenick

Loye Anderson

Roger Birtles

Craig Newby

Brent Rempel

Dwayne Schmautz

Butch Williams

Program Vice Chair

Chair

Appointed

Appointed

Waste

Reduction Vice Chair

Chair

Family &

Friends

Pension Fund

Trustees

Top of the

Rock Fund

Trustees

Chair

Kirk Anderson

Loye Anderson

Roger Birtles

Sandra Downes

Greg Kuse

Tanya Mitzel

Gary Nickel

Dennis Will

Julia Thomson

Dawn Driedger

Jerome Nicol

Kirk Anderson

Ken Homenick

Al Hunter

Greg Kuse

Jamie Lackie

Merv Nighttraveller

Michael Stensrud

James Yachyshen

James Gillis

Alan Hunter

Eric Antonini

Peter Gerrard

Jim Gillis

Eric Antonini

Sandra Downes

Lindy Antonini

Mary Baxter

Ross Revill

T he cafeteria will be closed December 19th until January 1st and

will reopen on January 2nd, 2014. Coffee and water will still be

provided, however, no meals will be prepared during this week.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Loye Anderson

Roger Birtles

Tanya Mitzel

Mery Nighttraveller

Brent Rempel Michelle Christensen

Joyce Phillips

Janet Macnab

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COSMOPOLITAN INDUSTRIES LTD. DATES FOR 2014 SPECIAL EVENTS, STATUTORY HOLIDAYS

AND APPROVED CLOSURES

JANUARY, 2014

Wednesday, January 1st New Year's Day - Cosmo Closed

FEBRUARY, 2014

Monday, February 17th Family Day – Cosmo Closed

MARCH, 2014

Friday, March 7th Winter Carnival Party at Cosmo

(2nd Friday in Month)

APRIL, 2014

Friday, April 18th Good Friday – Cosmo Closed

Thursday, April 24th Cosmo Bull-a-Thon Bowling Event

MAY, 2014

Friday, May 2nd (1st Friday in May) Open House at Cosmo

Monday, May 19th Victoria Day - Cosmo Closed

Friday, May 23rd Participant Awards – 5-20 years

JUNE, 2014

No Holidays, etc.

Friday, June 6th Participant Awards – 25+ years

Monday, June 16h Riverside Vipond Golf Classic

JULY, 2014

Tuesday, July 1st Canada Day - Cosmo Closed

AUGUST, 2014

Monday, August 4th Civic Day - Cosmo Closed

SEPTEMBER, 2014

Monday, September 1st Labour Day - Cosmo Closed

Friday, September 5th Summer Windup at Cosmo

(Friday after Sept long weekend)

OCTOBER, 2014

Monday, October 13th Thanksgiving Day - Cosmo Closed

NOVEMBER, 2014

Tuesday, November 11th Remembrance Day - Cosmo Closed

DECEMBER, 2014

Friday, December 5th Area Christmas Dinners

Wednesday, December 25th Christmas Day – Cosmo Closed

Thursday, December 26th Boxing Day – Cosmo Closed

Thursday, January 1st, 2015 New Year’s Day – Cosmo Closed